SAVE THE DATE
GIS Day at the University of Miami
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 | 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Join us to learn about the many real-world applications of geographic information systems (GIS). In anticipation of the international forum to be held the following day on November 14, the University of Miami presents a series of events including a lecture, panel discussion, games, and a photography contest, all focused on how GIS is used to enhance presentations and maximize the impact of research across the scholarly landscape. Find out about the applications of GIS in various job industries, including business, media, retail, health and human services, public safety, transportation, and the environment.

About GIS Day GIS Day was founded in 1999 as an opportunity for users of geographic information systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate how the tool is making a difference in our society. This international event, officially celebrated around the world this year on November 14, brings together diverse groups to share in discovering and exploring the benefits of GIS, showcasing its uses, and building and nurturing a GIS community.

UM Library has recently purchased the Landscan Global Population data set from East View covering every year from 2000 to 2015. The data sets are raster based at 1 km resolution and can be accessed online at:

See this new interactive map called El Camino del Cimarron on ArcGIS online chronicling a 12-day trek through central Cuba by FIU Prof. Guillermo Grenier to promote the story of runaway slave Esteban Montejo written about in Miguel Barnet's 1966 book The Biography of a Runaway Slave: http://arcg.is/1Q8km7v

Abraham Parrish

Jorge Quintela

The Esri website provides training -- online courses, workshops and webinars -- for their ArcGIS products. UM faculty, staff and students are eligible for the following Premium Courses for no charge. Send a message to gislib@miami.edu for more information about registering for these free courses.

OpenGeo Suite powers web, mobile, and desktop applications across the enterprise. Built on leading open source software – including PostGIS, GeoServer, GeoWebCache, OpenLayers, and QGIS – OpenGeo Suite optimizes standards-based technology for organizations large and small.

OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project to create a free, editable map of the world.

Q GIS is an open source program that allows you to visualize, manage, edit, analyse data, and compose printable maps.

Simply Map SimplyMap uses the latest technology to provide better performance, faster maps, improved reliability, and powerful new features. Shapefiles are available for download to use in other software.

ArcGIS is a comprehensive geographic information system used for creating and using maps; compiling geographic data; analyzing mapped information; sharing and discovering geographic information; using maps and geographic information in a range of applications; and managing geographic information in a database.

The University has entered into a site license for ArcGIS. For faculty and staff to download ArcGIS, you must first create an account on the ESRI customer portal. It can be downloaded onto any University of Miami owned computer. Students may use any computer in the library, or see the GIS Services Librarian to see if a one year license is available for you for your own computer.

When you are starting on a spatial project located in Florida you should start with this portal. This will save you time and effort as most of the other Florida resources we have listed for you on this page can be searched through this site.

FGDL ia a mechanism for distributing spatial (GIS) data throughout the state of Florida. The FGDL is warehoused and maintained at the University of Florida's GeoPlan Center.

Florida Geographic Data Library (FGDL) The Florida Geographic Data Library is a collection of Geospatial Data compiled by the University of Florida GeoPlan Center with support from the Florida Department of Transportation. GIS data available in FGDL is collected from various state, federal, and other agencies ("data sources") who are data stewards, originators, producers, or publishers. The data sources are listed in each data layer's metadata as the Data Originator or Content Publisher.

Land Boundary Information System (LABINS) The Land Boundary Information System (LABINS) began in 1984 as a means for distributing survey-related data that is maintained and managed by federal and state agencies to the general surveying community.

University of Florida Digital Collections (George A Smathers Libraries)
The University of Florida Map & Digital Imagery Library houses the largest and most complete collection of Florida aerial photographs (~160,000 photos) outside of the National Archives.

Florida International University (FIU) Since its establishment in 1998, the FIU Library Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Center has been supporting research and teaching in many academic units, including Engineering, Computing and Information Sciences, Biological Sciences, Earth and Environment, Public Health, and Global & Sociocultural Studies. MIUS collections include printed and digital maps, imagery and other GIS data.

The links in this guide are for your convenience. All of this data is available through the FGDL link available on the top left of this page. This FGDL is the geoportal you should be using if your study falls within Florida. However, we know you may want to see the data in the context of the government entity that is providing the data and that is what this list is for. As these governments agencies are currently migrating their GIS data to FGDL the links on their own pages will go dead. We will update links as we find them or you may report them to gislib@miami.edu. Thank you for understanding this guide is currently dynamic. *UPDATED 12/15/13*

Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) Collects, analyzes and generates economic and demographic data on Florida and its local areas. They conduct economic and demographic research that will inform public policy and business decision making.

These sets are not in their raw form and have been converted to SHP or other formats that can readily be used in ArcView and other common GIS programs. All datasets include .shp indexes except VMAP0 and WVS, which aren’t tiled, and SRTM30 which is organized by large lat / long blocks.

DATA LICENSE

All data is the copyrighted property of LAND INFO Worldwide Mapping, LLC. Land Info grants customer a license to distribute data on an isolated non-commercial basis, or as Derived Works. Derived works that include the source data must be merged with other value-added data in such a way that the derived work can’t be converted back to the original source data format. Other Derived Works that don’t include the source data (vector extraction, classification etc.) have no restrictions on use and distribution. An unlimited license is granted for media use, provided that the following citation is used: “map data courtesy www.landinfo.com.”

Alexandria Digital Library
The Alexandria Digital Library (ADL) is a distributed digital library with collections of georeferenced materials.ASTER GDEM
This ASTER product is available at no charge for any user pursuant to an agreement between METI and NASA.CloudMade
The files provided on these pages are created from OpenStreetMap map data. Because OpenStreetMap is a work in progress many of the countries are only partially mapped or are incomplete.EarthExplorer (USGS)
This is your first source for US aquired imagery. Most of the data is free. Remote Sensing students should start their projects here. ESRI Online Map & Geoservices
This link serves as a reminder for you to use all the data available to you for free in the ArcMap program. Remember, FAO's Aquastat spatial data
Maps of hydrological basins and rivers, downloadedable in .png format.Global Administrative Areas (GADM)
Administrative areas in this database are countries and lower level subdivisions such as provinces, departments, bibhag, bundeslander, daerah istimewa, fivondronana, krong, landsvæðun, opština, sous-préfectures, counties, and thana.USGS GloVis Global Visualization Viewer (does not work with Firefox)International Steering Committee for Global Mapping (ISCGM)
The Global Map Data have 8 thematic layers. They are Boundaries, Transportation, Drainage, Population Centres, Elevation, Vegetation, Land use and Land cover.LandsatLook Viewer (USGS)
An alternative way to look for dates with suitable imagery. EarthExplorer (USGS) is a better source for all imagery.NGA GEOnet Name Server (GNS)
What's in a name? Solve your map naming issues with this site. The GEOnet Names Server (GNS) is the official repository of standard spellings of all foreign geographic names, sanctioned by the United States Board on Geographic Names (US BGN). The database also contains variant spellings (cross-references), which are useful for finding purposes, as well as non-Roman script spellings of many of these names. All the geographic features in the database contain information about location, administrative division, and quality. The database can be used for a variety of purposes, including establishing official spellings of foreign place names, cartography, GIS, GEOINT, and finding places.United Nations Environment Programme Environmental Data Explorer
The Environmental Data Explorer is the authoritative source for data sets used by UNEP and its partners in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report and other integrated environment assessments.United Nations Second Administrative Level Boundaries (SALB)
This platform is developed in collaboration with and validated by the National Mapping Agencies (NMA) of each UN Member State and results in a database which contains: National Mapping Agencies contact information, coded historic changes starting from 1990 for the 1st sub national level and from 2000 for the 2nd sub national level, seamless GIS maps corresponding to the different situations observed since January 2000.World Bank Project & Operations Maps
This is a visual guide to the use of maps used by the World Bank and can help give you ideas on yor own projects. The site promotes a mapping for results approach. WorldClim - Global Climate Data
WorldClim is a set of global climate layers (climate grids) with a spatial resolution of about 1 square kilometer.

Geography Classes Data

The following link provides access to GIS data for these courses:

Mastering ArcGIS ver. 6e is being used by the Engineering intro classes

Note that only datasets marked as "Federal" are subject to the U.S. Federal Government and Data.gov's Data Policy. Non-federal participants (e.g., universities, organizations, and tribal, state, and local governments) maintain their own data policies. It is important that users understand the data policies of participating entities in order to best utilize these datasets. A description of this catalog and information about the datasets presented and associated metrics is available here.

GeoPlatform
These maps are already identified by regional planners as neccessary and usable. They are from data sets usable at the national level. Most are already in use for planning. The site is overwhelming for some so you may want to start with the Search bar. When you are having trouble finding data from other sources this may be the one place that data in some form may be found. We recommend using this link broken down by Department of the United States Government. Click on and search within the Department of the government.

National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD)
These data sets were not necessarily collected for the purpose of mapping or conducting spatial analysis, therefore users may have to do additional work to make these collections compatible with their particular GIS. Please note that this is a static list updated monthly by NACJD staff. Users should also check the Recent Updates and Additions link on the Download Data page to see the most recent data collections added to the archive.

National Atlas:In the National Atlas Map Maker, you can assemble, view, and print your own maps. You can choose from hundreds of layers of geographic information to make maps. Each map layer can be displayed individually or mixed with others as you tailor a map to your needs. For example, you can make a map showing America's streams and lakes. And you can add new map layers showing additional geographic information, such as state boundaries, county boundaries, roads, railroads, and towns and cities. This not currently a download site, but will serve well for people not familiar with GIS technology.

NESDIS at the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) is dedicated to providing timely access to global environmental data from satellites and other sources to promote, protect and enhance the Nation's economy, security, environment and quality of life. To fulfill its responsibilities, NESDIS—informally known as the NOAA Satellite and Information Service—acquires and manages the Nation's operational environmental satellites, operates the NOAA National Data Centers. The four main data sets are broken out below.

National Wetlands Inventory *COMING SOON 2014*
This national geospatial data product will contribute substantially to improved modeling of flow and water movement in surface water basins, channels, and wetlands. The old site has been removed, you can use the UN version under Global Data till the new site is up and running.

â€‹UPDATE 12/15/13 Some data is now available using through the left margin of the page.

USDA, FSA National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP)â€‹
The National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) acquires aerial imagery during the agricultural growing seasons in the continental U.S. A primary goal of the NAIP program is to make digital ortho photography available to governmental agencies and the public within a year of acquisition.

USGS National Map
Use The National Map Viewer and Download Platform to visualize, inspect, and download our most current topographic base map data and products for free.

TIGER products are spatial extracts from the Census Bureau's MAF/TIGER database, containing features such as roads, railroads, rivers, as well as legal and statistical geographic areas. The Census Bureau offers several file types and an online mapping application. Our products are:

The Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS-USA) consists of more than fifty high-precision samples of the American population drawn from fifteen federal censuses and from the American Community Surveys of 2000-2011.

The National Historical Geographic Information System (NHGIS) provides, free of charge, aggregate census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2012.

Next GIS Workshop

This workshop will introduce you to ESRI’s Insights product, an online data analytics workbench. You will obtain an Insights license through and ArcGIS Online account and learn how to use tools to create and share maps, charts, graphs, and tables created from large marine science data sets.

These Utilizing GIS Data Workshops are intended to introduce or improve one’s knowledge of the process of performing spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems software as a tool. As UM has a site license for ArcGIS software, it is the main software used to teach spatial analysis for this workshop series.

The workshop series consist of two-hour sessions that take a sample research topic/question and walks through how to acquire, convert, analyze, and display spatial data related to the topic. Each session will focus on a different set of tools in ArcGIS and other related software that can be used to accomplish this. The aim of these workshops is learning through problem-solving.

The workshops are targeted toward users who may not be able to currently take a semester coure in GIS, users who may want to see if GIS may be a useful tool for them before committing to more in depth courses, users who may want to supplement their existing GIS skills, or anyone who is just curious about GIS.

These workshops are not intended to be comprehensive in nature nor intended to replace or substitute any GIS courses offered at UM. They are in part a way to introduce the GIS resources offered by the Library which include one-on-one GIS consultations, additional training online, and GIS data acquisition/access.

SAVE THE DATE
GIS Day at the University of Miami
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 | 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.

Join us to learn about the many real-world applications of geographic information systems (GIS). In anticipation of the international forum to be held the following day on November 14, the University of Miami presents a series of events including a lecture, panel discussion, games, and a photography contest, all focused on how GIS is used to enhance presentations and maximize the impact of research across the scholarly landscape. Find out about the applications of GIS in various job industries, including business, media, retail, health and human services, public safety, transportation, and the environment.

About GIS Day GIS Day was founded in 1999 as an opportunity for users of geographic information systems (GIS) technology to demonstrate how the tool is making a difference in our society. This international event, officially celebrated around the world this year on November 14, brings together diverse groups to share in discovering and exploring the benefits of GIS, showcasing its uses, and building and nurturing a GIS community.

This photograph was taken in the City of Pingdingshan, Henan, China, part of the sustainable urbanism in mining cities project of China. Baigui Lake National Wetland Park is perfectly embedded in the urban ecological system of Pingdingshan. The park provides cultural amenities among other entertainment opportunities. One of the most interesting and unique characteristics is that the park was built on a historical coal mine site. This is a living example demonstrating how industry and a former pollution filled city were transformed to an ecological culture-oriented area.

Photo 2: Jordan Rubin

Photo 2: Jordan Rubin

Photo 2: Jordan Rubin

I chose to submit this picture of the rooftop solar panel atop the university food court because they are a great example of urban sustainability. These solar panels are fully responsible for supplying energy to the outlets throughout the food court. Although the food court does not rely completely on the solar panels, they are a great way to take advantage of a reusable resource and cut costs of running the food court. After all, we are in the sunshine state and it would be foolish not to put our everyday clear skies to use. Lastly, solar panels are the most discreet way to bring urban sustainability into such a beautiful scenery without disturbing the view.

Photo 3: Kaitlyn Payne

Photo 3: Kaitlyn Payne

Photo 3: Kaitlyn Payne

This picture displays solar panels on the top of the University of Miami food court. Even though solar panels are very costly, they produce many benefits to the facility they are a part of. These solar panels help to generate power for the building and making it more sustainable. The reason that these solar panels make the building more sustainable is because they will no longer rely on nonrenewable resources like natural gas. Instead, they will rely on the renewable resource that will continue to give electricity even when all other sources of electricity have diminished. This solar power helps to charge phones and helps to keep the light on.

Photo 4: Elise Herschlag

Photo 4: Elise Herschlag

Photo 4: Elise Herschlag

Underneath the jungle-like canopy of his backyard garden, Ezra Remer, a student at the University of Miami, harvests a beautifully fresh and ripe papaya from a nearby tree. Although he admits papayas are among his least favorite fruits, his garden offers many other things to harvest including key lime, Florida avocado, passion fruit, lemongrass, multiple types of bananas, and even starfruit. Tropical fruits like these are often expensive and shipped in from far away countries. Growing your own is a less expensive, and more energy efficient alternative, which proves to be helpful for both college students and the environment.

Photo 5: Chris Chapin

Photo 5: Chris Chapin

Photo 5: Chris Chapin

Marlins park, home of the Miami Marlins, serves as an excellent example of urban sustainability. Opened in 2012, Marlins Park is the first stadium in Major League Baseball—and first retractable roof structure in the world—to earn LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Sustainability was kept in mind throughout design and construction, including site selection benefits, water use reduction, energy use reduction, an event recycling program, regionally-sourced and recycled content materials, construction waste management and care in the design of healthy interior environments.

Photo 6: Jayda Thompson

Photo 6: Jayda Thompson

Photo 6: Jayda Thompson

This photo depicts urban and campus sustainability in the use of solar panels for valiant efforts at renewable energy with a view from the student center. It also depicts a building on the horizon looking to have a commendable LEED rating with notably the silver rating being just that-- admirable. These growing implementations for urban sustainability are just the step needed in the right direction for the campus as it relates to crucial sustainability. These are the very needed measures that should be taken in order to benefit the sustainability of the campus that plants a seed for the future in the environment.

Photo 7: Montale Tuen

Photo 7: Montale Tuen

Photo 7: Montale Tuen

Sleepless Town 247: The Following image was taken over the walkway along the edges of Miami South Point beach known as the South Point pier. Left across the Government Cut harbor entrance, a clear visualization of Fisher Island with luxury apartment Palazzo Del Mare in construction. Centered Dodge Island, core port of Miami hosting 7.42 million cargo tonnage, and 4.33 million passenger traffic annually. in the background a clear skyline of downtown Miami can be seen. The city comes alive with the fading twilight. Sunset turn into neon light; sound of waves turns to uproarious laughter.

Photo 8: Peijun Chen

Photo 8: Peijun Chen

Photo 8: Peijun Chen

Livable City——Shenzhen, China: Public green spaces have been embedded into every aspects of the city. Wetlands are not only the lungs of the city, but also the entertainment and leisure place for urban people after work. The core of the city is the residents: the city not only provides economic functions, but also needs to meet the diverse needs of the citizens to promote the all-round development of residents and attract high-end talents. The harmonious coexistence of man and nature and the strong vitality of the city are the greatest magics for urban sustainability.

Photo 9: Veronica Lucchese

Photo 9: Veronica Lucchese

Photo 9: Veronica Lucchese

Hugging the Lower West Side of New York City shoreline stands Hudson River Park (HRPK). October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy’s impact caused HRPK over $10 million dollars in damages. Though reparations were needed, the park provided barrier protection for the Lower West Side from the brunt of the storm. A haven for all, HRPK is pictured here, 6 years post hurricane, as a thriving example of resiliency and urban sustainability. HRPK provides habitat for over 200 animal species, protection from storms, and a diverse recreation and scientific space for all humanity. HRPK represents coexistence between the natural world and humanity.

Photo 10: Natalie Anderson

Photo 10: Natalie Anderson

Photo 10: Natalie Anderson

The University of Miami is now trying to become a very green school. The University is trying to monitor and improve its sustainability performance. The solar panels on top of the food court holds account for an average of 15% of the electricity load. This will help lower the electricity bill for the university, savings can further grow if you generate enough electricity than you use because the surplus will be exported back to the grid and you will be able to receive bonus payments. With UM bringing these solar panels, they have added new solar charging umbrellas that help you charge mobile devices. This is just one step forward to our future of being a sustainable university.

Photo 11: Emily Wheeler

Photo 11: Emily Wheeler

Photo 11: Emily Wheeler

A Market for Everyone: The Galápagos Islands represents one of the most dynamic social-ecological systems in the world. Faced with a rapidly growing population and booming ecotourism industry, the archipelago finds ways to sustainably meet its increased demands for resources. Pictured is a bustling, seafood market located within the heart of the urban center in Santa Cruz, Galápagos. Every day, fisherman come here to sell their catch to the onlooking locals and tourists. Sea lions, pelicans, and frigatebirds also join the spectacle with the hopes of eating leftover scraps of fish. Just like this photo, the Galápagos demonstrates unique interactions between wildlife and humanity.

Photo 12: Michael Batey

Photo 12: Michael Batey

Photo 12: Michael Batey

Urban Sustainability in Miami Homes: Having lived in Miami and with four other people in the family, water consumption and electricity bill always ran high. But a couple years back we found a new solution. Solar-powered water heaters. Although a pretty innocuous thing it helped not only with water consumption but power generation. With the new system restored and the ample sunlight in Miami not only was there no longer a high electricity bill but also there was never a deficit of hot water. Small changes like these all over the house can greatly decrease the carbon footprint of households without so much as a change to the quality of life. The solar-powered water heater is my little slice of urban sustainability.

Photo 13: Giorgia Laudati

Photo 13: Giorgia Laudati

Photo 13: Giorgia Laudati

I shot this photo in Little Havana, Miami. I was walking in the neighborhood when my eye was caught by this image: a well-designed bin, an explicit statement, and a complete disregard for them. We read “please do not litter” written on the trash can, but right next to it we find garbage on the pavement, in particular an empty bottle of coke. The contrast is striking and a reflection comes naturally: even where the urban territory is designed to foster sustainability, it is essential to educate citizens about the importance of this concept. Otherwise, every effort is in vain.

Photo 14: Yifan Guo

Photo 14: Yifan Guo

Photo 14: Yifan Guo

In the photo, there are solar street lights in one of Chinese city. Solar street lights contribute to the urban sustainability by several reasons. First, Solar streetlights rely on solar energy to store electricity, compared to regular streetlights. Hence, Solar street lights use clean energy, not thermal power. Also, the direct current of solar street becomes pulsating constant current power source through pulsating modulation, with no resistance limiting current, high power supply efficiency and minimal loss, which greatly reduces LED heating, reduces LED light failure, and extends LED life to 36 thousand hours, that is, more than 10 years. Finally, the maintenance cost of solar street lights is much lower than that of normal street lights.

Photo 15 Dishane Hewavithana (late entry, not elgible for voting)

Photo 15 Dishane Hewavithana (late entry, not elgible for voting)

Dishane Hewavithana

Where giants meet the Lilliput’s! This photo highlights the importance of including wildlife in sustainable development planning. The picture was taken in Minneriya, Sri Lanka where a main highway that connects two major commercial cities runs across a national protected area. Poor decision making at the planning stage of the road construction has created a huge barrier for the wildlife dividing their home into two. Many animals get killed on their way to the other side of the road further posing a threat to human lives as well. Such impacts could be well-avoided through sustainable planning and designing during development.